HOPES
Students walk past Black History Month posters on the BC campus.
Forum on Racial Justice Highlights BC Initiatives on Racism
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several initiatives, including a Forum on Racial Justice in America, to address issues of race and racism in the United States. These initiatives, described in a July 2020 letter to the BC community from University President William P. Leahy, S.J., and senior administrators, come in the wake of an ongoing national expression of anger, concern, and frustration about race-related matters in the U.S. Building on the legacy of academia as a venue for exploring compelling contemporary questions and concerns, and developing effective responses, BC—guided by its Catholic social teaching—will seek to contribute to the discussion on race and racist behavior in America, according to the announcement. The letter described the Boston College Forum on Racial Justice in America as providing a meeting place “for listening, dialogue, and greater understanding about race and racism in our country, especially ideas for dealing with current challenges and planning for a better future.” It also will serve as a catalyst for “bridging differences regarding race in America, promoting reconciliation, and encouraging fresh perspectives.” BC Law School Dean Vincent D. Rougeau is the forum inaugural director. Among other activities, the foboston college has announced
rum will sponsor speakers, panels, and seminars about key issues regarding race and needed changes in attitudes and structures, encourage scholarly exploration of conditions that result in racism and racist behavior, and suggest responses and solutions. Other BC initiatives will be built around faith and formation. In addition, intercollegiate athletes at BC will also “reach out in new ways to youth in metropolitan Boston to build bonds and provide mentorship through sports and academics.” Boston College’s recently announced integration with Pine Manor College—and related establishment of the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success—as a means to recruit and graduate underrepresented, first-generation students was cited as another facet of the University’s response to race-related issues. The institute will work closely with existing academic outreach programs at BC in furthering Pine Manor College’s success in helping students facing major challenges in their pursuit of higher education obtain college degrees, the letter said, noting that BC has designated $50 million of its endowment to support the institute’s activities, and intends to seek additional funds from various sources. The University sees itself as contributing to the evolving national agenda on race and racism through its
Working together we can accomplish great things, and help Boston College, our nation, and the world be more just and more at peace. 36
c21 resources | spring/summer 2021
